The carbon tax is nothing but a socialist redistribution of wealth, according to Matthew Kaneda-Hession, who challenged Prime Minister
Julia Gillard
and much of the federal cabinet last night.

As part of attempts to engage with ordinary voters, federal cabinet ministers held a community forum in one of the nation’s most marginal seats, La Trobe.

Mr Kaneda-Hession tackled Ms Gillard about the carbon tax, asking why the government would implement a carbon price much higher than in other countries.

“Why are we being imposed with a carbon tax that is three times higher than other countries who have a carbon price?" he said.

“I cannot fiscally understand why we are over-compensating families. To me it sounds like a socialistic redistribution of wealth, maybe grabbing back at a vote you may have lost."

Mr Kaneda-Hession’s comments were met with applause.

Ms Gillard told him to realise the tax was not being paid by individuals; rather it was large companies generating emissions that footed the bill.

Ms Gillard, Labor ministers and parliamentary secretaries spent the day visiting Melbourne’s south-east and heard from community members about what the government could do for residents in Melbourne’s growth corridor.

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More than 500 people filled the school hall of Timbarra College in Berwick to catch a glimpse of Ms Gillard.

There was no mention of controversial MP
Craig Thomson
, and questions were directed at issues facing the local community, such as flood support and education. Many residents were keen to hear what the government would do to help school and university students.

One person asked the federal government to intervene with the Victorian government, which plans to cut TAFE courses.